Background and Summary of the Proposal:
California’s State Constitution allows most U.S. citizens to vote, even individuals who are currently in county jail or county probation. But it prohibits individuals who are in state prison or on state parole to register to vote. Proposition 17 will amend the State Constitution and enable individuals on state parole to register to vote. It is important to note that this amendment does not pertain to people who are still in state prison.
Possible Outcomes of Proposition 17:
- It will technically allow state parolees to run for elective offices if they meet the other requirements.
- Increase annual county costs
- Increase one-time state costs to update the voter registration system.
| Supporters |
| Sen. Kamala Harris Sen. Holly Mitchell Sen. Steven Bradford Sen. Scott Wiener Assemb. Rob Bonata Assemb. Wendy Carrillo California Democratic Party |
| Opposition |
| Sen. Jim Nielsen Republican Party of California |
Do you support or oppose Proposition 17? Should state parolees have the right to vote? Is the increased annual cost worth expanding the voting rights to state parolees?
CIMA Law Group Blog 